Clarke Carlisle was charged before injury

Stricken ex- Leeds United footballer Clarke Carlisle is facing court action over an alleged drink driving offence after being charged just days before he was seriously injured in a collision with a lorry.

The 35-year-old former Burnley and QPR defender was seriously injured following the collision on the A64, near York, on December 22 and remains in a Leeds hospital.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed he was charged with failing to provide a sample on December 20 and is set to appear in court next month.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “Clarke Carlisle, 35, was charged on Saturday, 20 December with failing to provide a specimen and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

“He is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 20 January 2015.”

North Yorkshire Police launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and appealed for witnesses.

Since the collision, a host of footballers, former clubs, organisations and charities have used social media to send messages hoping former Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Carlisle makes a quick recovery.

His wife Gemma thanked well-wishers on Twitter on Monday.

She said: “Thank you for continuing messages of support and for media restraint. Clarke still very poorly but we’re hopeful he’ll make a full recovery.”